CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A 35-year-old French tourist reported being assaulted in a karaoke venue and charged 30,000 baht for drinks, prompting a police probe and a full refund.
Night-time complaint over 30,000-baht bill
According to police, the man filed a complaint at around 2 a.m. on 23 March at Chiang Mai City Police Station (Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station) over an incident in a venue in the city area.
He said a dispute arose over food and drink prices, including eight small bottles of beer, for which he was presented with a bill of 30,000 baht including service charges.
Investigators assigned and hospital check ordered
After posts on social media, Police Colonel Prachya Thitsala ordered investigators and interrogators to review the case quickly.
The tourist was sent to a hospital to document possible injuries and was then questioned as an injured party. Police identified him as Mr. Kevin (35), a French national who had been living in Chonburi for about two years.
Refund granted – plus 2,500 baht for treatment
Following an initial review, the venue admitted wrongdoing, according to police, and refunded the 30,000 baht to the man.
An additional 2,500 baht was paid as compensation for medical expenses, which the tourist accepted as he prepared to continue his journey back to Chonburi.
Criminal and regulatory violations pursued
Police opened proceedings for bodily harm, as well as for operating an entertainment venue without a licence and selling alcohol outside permitted hours.
In parallel, authorities submitted a request to the administration to close the venue and to ban any reopening at the same location for five years.
Police chief warns about karaoke overcharging
Police Major General Yutthana Kaenchand, chief of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, said on the morning of 23 March that similar cases often involved karaoke establishments that charged tourists inflated prices.
“The police are working together with the administration and the Tourist Police and are taking a ‘consistent’ approach when complaints are filed in order to limit damage to the tourism destination’s image.”
said Yutthana Kaenchand, Chiang Mai Provincial Police chief.
New twist as investigators question parts of account
After a further review of the facts, local police said the tourist had a Thai wife and liked to present himself in entertainment districts as a generous payer who also ordered escort services.
They said the prices and drink fees had been explained to him in the venue, and he initially agreed but later protested when it was time to pay. A staff member then allegedly grabbed him by the collar, though it remained unclear whether the neck injuries he later showed had actually occurred in the venue.